Posts

More women have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than do men. Prevalence studies from all over the world show women are about three times more likely to have RA. The disease also affects the sexes differently. The answers to why gender differences exist in RA are still unclear, but researchers are continually working to bring these reasons to light. In fact, research to date has revealed factors and characteristics that may explain these differences, including differences in hormone production, genes, physiological features, gender-based roles, and behavioral expectations....

Rumination disorder is a feeding and eating disorder and a functional gastroduodenal disorder where a person experiences frequent and effortless regurgitation of food that they have recently eaten. The regurgitation is unconscious but believed to be a learned behavior. The person will re-chew and swallow or spit out the food that is regurgitated. Treatments for rumination disorder use behavioral, psychological, and quality-of-life interventions, as well as the medical management of a person’s symptoms....

Sleep apnea surgery can be any of more than a dozen different procedures aimed at correcting anatomy than can contribute to sleep apnea. It is often performed as outpatient surgery but may require general anesthesia. See what to expect during sleep apnea surgery, including the need for postoperative assessment. Before the Surgery It is important for a formal consultation with a board-certified surgeon to occur prior to sleep apnea surgery. On the day of surgery, further testing is not generally required....

Small bowel diverticula (also called small intestine diverticular disease) is a condition involving bulging sacs in the wall of the small bowel. Diverticula can occur in any portion of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They are much less common in the small bowel than in the colon (large intestine). Diverticula in the large intestine are commonly referred to as colonic diverticular disease. According to a 2009 study, the prevalence of diverticula of the small bowel is only 0....

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have found that COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates are strongly correlated with temperature and latitude—a measurement of distance north or south of the equator. Key Takeaways According to a new study, SARS-CoV-2 is largely seasonal, meaning that cases are highest during the colder months of the year (like influenza). The findings could explain why some countries and regions have been hit harder by the pandemic than others....

Having a low white blood cell (WBC) count, also known as leukopenia, means that your body is not making enough of the immune system cells it needs to fight pathogens. A low WBC count puts you at risk of infections, including coronavirus (COVID-19) infections. Research has found that fewer lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, can be a risk factor for severe cases of COVID. This article discusses the link between a low white blood cell count and COVID....

The trigeminal ganglion is also called the Gasserian ganglion, semilunar ganglion, or Gasser’s ganglion. It is part of the trigeminal nerve, which gathers sensory stimuli from the head and face and provides nerve stimulation to the muscles that control chewing. (A nerve ganglion is a group of nerves that typically function similarly to each other and are enclosed by connective tissue.) The trigeminal ganglion can be affected by a number of medical conditions, the most common of which are shingles and trigeminal neuralgia....

Vaginal bleeding is a normal part of menstruation. Vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods or in those who do not menstruate is considered abnormal and requires evaluation by a healthcare provider. Abnormal vaginal bleeding could signify a serious health condition linked to decreased physical and mental health. There are several possible causes of vaginal bleeding, including hormonal imbalances, pregnancy complications, and chronic health conditions. This article will provide an overview of the common causes of vaginal bleeding and how to treat them....

Viral conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a highly contagious type of eye infection caused by a virus, such as an adenovirus or the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It occurs when a viral infection causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that coats the white part of the eye. Most viruses that cause conjunctivitis spread through hand-to-eye contact through hands or objects that have been contaminated with the virus. This type of conjunctivitis is responsible for the majority of infectious conjunctivitis, accounting for up to 75% of cases....

The ovaries are egg-producing glands that are part of the female reproductive system. The ovaries are about the size and shape of an almond, and they sit just above the fallopian tubes—one ovary on each side of the uterus. In a fertile female, either the right or left ovary produces a mature egg for fertilization every month during ovulation. Typically, a single egg is released at a time, but in some cases, more than one egg can be released, sometimes resulting in the conception of multiples (such as twins or triplets)....

Diuretics, also known as “water pills,” increase the flow of urine. This helps get rid of extra salt and water from the body. Diuretics can help various medical conditions caused by too much fluid. They lower blood pressure by reducing the fluid in your blood that your heart has to pump. This article discusses what diuretics treat and how they work. It also covers the types of diuretics, side effects, risks, and complications....

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid produced by the Cannabis sativa L. plant. It has garnered attention as a natural alternative for treating chronic pain and inflammation for arthritis. However, it can interact with medications that people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are already taking, namely methotrexate. Those taking methotrexate need to know how also using CBD to manage their symptoms can impact their liver functioning....

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has taken a harder toll on men. Data collected in China from as early as January found that men were being infected at higher rates. As the virus spread across Europe in early March, deaths were consistently higher among men. In March, men accounted for 70% of all COVID-19 deaths in Italy. When the virus made its way into the United States, the pattern persisted....

When you’re planning your flu shot, considering your options can be confusing. If you have any health conditions, you can ask your doctor if specific flu vaccines are better or worse for your condition. For most healthy adults, all of the options that are available for getting the flu shot are safe and effective. The flu shot is recommended every fall, in advance of flu season, for all people who are 6 months of age or older, with few exceptions....

It’s normal and expected to feel anxious about a mammogram, especially when waiting for results. Breast cancer is a leading cause of premature mortality among U.S. women, so most think getting a callback means they have cancer. Rest assured, a follow-up exam or test does not mean you have breast cancer. Fewer than 1 in 10 people called back after an abnormal mammogram have breast cancer. This article discusses many reasons for a fast or same-day mammogram callback and helpful tips to manage your nerves....

Stevia leaf extract, known to most as stevia, is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener used as a sugar substitute. It is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant and has been used for centuries in South America. Though they’re rare, stevia’s side effects can include gastrointestinal symptoms, decreased blood pressure and blood sugar, and potential impacts on the liver. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers stevia leaf extract safe for consumption, and it is unlikely to cause side effects in most people....

Endometriosis and adenomyosis affect the lining of the uterus (endometrium). The uterus is the organ where a baby grows when a person is pregnant. In endometriosis, endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus. In adenomyosis, endometrial tissue grows into the muscular walls of the uterus. Although they are different conditions, both can lead to painful menstrual periods. Because they share similar symptoms, adenomyosis and endometriosis are sometimes mistaken for one another....

Amalaki powder, or amla, is a supplement derived from the Indian gooseberry. It is a rich source of vitamins and bioactive compounds, and research suggests it may help support the immune system, improve digestion, and even protect against cancer. Amalaki powder is perhaps most widely promoted for its anti-aging properties. This article discusses the current research on the benefits of amalaki powder and how to use it. It also details possible side effects of its use, interactions you should know about, and what to look for when buying it....

Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that involves more than one body system. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. You will often have skin reactions and shortness of breath, which can develop into anaphylactic shock with a drop in blood pressure. Learn how to identify an anaphylactic reaction so you can seek immediate medical care. Frequent Symptoms Anaphylaxis is primarily an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions become anaphylaxis once an allergy begins to affect more than one body system, such as the skin and respiratory system....

Though anxiety and osteoporosis are two different diseases, having both conditions is common. This article reviews each disease, how they impact each other, complications, diagnosis, treatment, and coping. The Connection Between Anxiety and Osteoporosis The connection between anxiety and osteoporosis may seem unlikely, but they affect each other. The following is an overview of each disease and the relationship between the two. The Prevalence of Anxiety and Osteoporosis Approximately 31% of U....